Portsmouth City Council is due to decide on 5 August whether to decant and close four tower blocks in Buckland and Somerstown after assessments found that, while the buildings are currently safe, they require substantial work to comply with modern building-safety regulations.
Which blocks are affected
The towers named in the council’s proposals are Barkis and Nickleby House in Buckland, and Edgbaston and Tipton House in Somerstown. The authority says the decision would lead to the decanting of residents and the closure of the blocks.
| Block | Area |
|---|---|
| Barkis | Buckland |
| Nickleby House | Buckland |
| Edgbaston House | Somerstown |
| Tipton House | Somerstown |
Residents respond: relief, frustration and practical concerns
Conversations with people in Somerstown this week revealed a spectrum of emotions. For some, the prospect of a move brought palpable relief.
"I was absolutely buzzing,"
That reaction came from Kyle Highley, who has lived in Edgbaston House for ten years and said his household needs a three‑bedroom property. He described long-running difficulties including overcrowding and health issues affecting his partner, and indicated that the possibility of rehousing felt like a welcome change.
Others are apprehensive about the practicalities. Ranjar Ali, another Edgbaston House resident, highlighted concerns about whether the proposed relocation support will be adequate. The council has offered a support package of £8,100 per household, but Mr Ali — who has spent around £6,000 on flooring and decoration — questioned whether that sum will suit all households’ circumstances. He also raised worries about finding homes that meet the needs of disabled residents.
Key points for residents and the council
- The council must balance building-safety compliance with ensuring suitable rehousing for tenants, especially those with disabilities or complex needs.
- Some residents welcome the change due to overcrowding or poor living conditions; others fear losing local social networks and adequate adaptations.
- Financial support and the availability of appropriately adapted properties are central issues in determining whether the move will be effective and fair.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke with Buckland residents on 28 July and with Somerstown tenants in the days that followed. While officials assert the towers are presently safe, they say extensive work would be required to meet current and anticipated future building-safety laws — work the council appears to be weighing against the option of decanting and closing.
For residents, questions now centre on timing, where households will be rehoused, and whether the relocation package and available council housing will meet diverse needs — not least for older tenants and people with disabilities. The council’s decision on 5 August will set the next course of action and begin the process of communication and rehousing should the closure option be approved.
I will continue to report on the council’s decision and the practical steps that follow, including how the authority plans to match households to alternative properties and the support offered to those with specific medical or accessibility requirements.
